50/50: Review By T.Clark

It's a rarity when a movie comes along that pulls at every inch of your emotions. "50/50" is that sort of movie. At first glance, it may seem like a comedy when you see Seth Rogen is portraying a pot-smoking best friend, and yes, the film is quite comedic. But there's a whole other dimension to it that is equally as dramatic as it is funny. Like this year's "Drive," the film can't really be explained as the genre it seems to be. Just as "Drive" wasn't your typical action movie, "50/50" isn't your typical comedy, or your typical drama. In that sense, "50/50" could be called a dramedy, but I feel even that term does the film a disservice. It sounds too corny, and the film is anything but corny.

In fact, it manages to tell a highly dramatic story-a man being diagnosed with spinal cancer-in a sometimes humorous fashion without ever being offensive. As someone who's dealt with a father having cancer, this was a must. The film is often very funny, but never to the point where it's insulting. On the flip side, it also manages to move in the completely opposite direction, with compelling scenes involving the main character dealing with his cancer in gradually different ways. It balances the two sides very well, with the comedy never overshadowing the power of the drama that plays out.

The main character, played by Joseph Gordon Levitt ("Inception"), is Adam, a smart, orderly man who works in radio with his best friend Kyle (Seth Rogen, "The Green Hornet"). When Adam is diagnosed with cancer, he reacts in a way that's to be expected; his emotions spiral and he has no idea what to think at first. But he compels himself to tell those close to him, and what follows is his journey to battle his disease and how it affects those around him.

The movie hit home for me. It's completely relateable for anyone who's ever had or been close to someone with not just cancer, but any major disease in general. I couldn't relate to Adam, but I could relate to those around him. In a way, it made the movie that much more powerful to me, since I could picture what my dad must have gone through from an outside perspective. I never actually witnessed what the chemo must have been like or how he felt during that time, and this movie translates that onto the screen in what I assume is a faithful way. But by the end of the movie, one may realize that this is a movie about much more than just battling cancer. It's about coming to terms with your own life; realizing what's important, who your real friends are, what you've accomplished. It's a reflection on life given a push by a life threatening illness.

Perhaps I loved the movie so much because of the sentimental value, but I feel anyone can like this movie. Anyone who's ever been faced with death, anyone who's ever been cheated on, anyone who has an overprotective mom, anyone with a pot-smoking best friend who's always trying to get you or himself laid...it probably hits home for pretty much anyone. It helps if it's relateable, but more than that, it's just an intelligently written, well directed, and terrifically acted film. Director Jonathan Levine ("The Wackness") assembles an unlikely cast and makes it work in the best way possible. He handles each and every situation appropriately, meaning nothing feels forced, whether it be the comedy or even a sex scene. Everything serves an ultimate purpose, with the surprising assortment of songs for the soundtrack even being appropriate for their respective scenes.

Joseph Gordon Levitt is Oscar worthy here, and gives one of the best performances of the year. He captures Adam's denial, anger, depression, and overall acceptance in a convincing way, never seeming to lose touch with who his character is. He's a neat freak, a bit shy, doesn't like being touched, and he's just been diagnosed with cancer. He has to show these traits throughout the film, but gradually develop as a character as well. Cancer affects Adam, and Levitt does an astounding job of showing that transformation, and also showing his vulnerability. I never for a second didn't believe in Levitt's performance.

Rogen obviously takes on the role of the funny man and handles most of the comedy, but his character also has another side to him other than sex and weed. Bryce Dallas Howard ("The Help") plays Adam's girlfriend Rachael. Her character is ultimately used as another stepping stone in Adam's journey to reevaluating his life, but it's purposeful. Anna Kendrick ("Scott Pilgrim vs. the World") is Adam's therapist, Katherine. Kendrick is very impressive here, and gives a best supporting actress nomination-worthy performance. She's just an all-around likeable character, and in a way, you feel bad for her. It's sympathetic when most of Adam's frustration is indirectly targeted at her, or when she's left in the hospital in one key scene with no one to hug, but by the end of the movie, she'll put a smile on your face if she hadn't already.

"50/50"'s story may sound depressing, but it's a largely uplifting film. It definitely has it's sad points, but in the end, the film leaves you with a sense of hope and joy, and I don't think it could have been any other way. The audience doesn't want to leave the theater after a movie like this depressed. They want to come out of it feeling as if they just witnessed something worth while, and that's exactly what this movie is.